New Buffalo, Michigan Wineries and Breweries: A Guide to the Best Local Spots
If you’re looking for a getaway that combines scenic beauty with delicious drinks, look no further than New Buffalo, Michigan.
From small, family-owned wineries to sleek, modern breweries, New Buffalo (and the surrounding area) has a range of options to suit all tastes and preferences.
One quick disclaimer – I am not a wine or beer connoisseur by any means. I don’t even really like wine or beer. 😂
But I wanted to compile a list of the best wineries and breweries in the area in one simple, easy-to-read place because even if you don’t drink, many of the places on this list are worth visiting for the views, ambiance, and food!
All of the wineries and breweries on this list are within 30 minutes of New Buffalo.
New Buffalo Wineries & Vineyards
Wine lovers are in luck, as there are so many excellent wineries within 30 minutes of New Buffalo, many of which are part of the wine trail.
The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail comprises 15 southwest Michigan wineries serving award-winning wines throughout the Lake Michigan Shore AVA (American Viticulture Area).
The area wineries offer beautiful views of scenic orchards and farms, unique experiences, and a wide range of locally sourced wines.
Wineries on this list are in order from closest to furthest away from downtown New Buffalo.
1. St. Julian Tasting Room (Union Pier)
Distance from New Buffalo: 5 miles
St. Julian is the oldest and largest winery in Michigan and has various tasting rooms throughout the state, all of which serve wine produced with fruit from local Michigan Farms.
St. Julian Tasting Room in Union Pier is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
The tasting room is also a craft distillery, so in addition to wine tastings, you can also order cocktails, hard ciders, and other handcrafted drinks. They do not have any meals available but offer a variety of pre-packaged snacks.
St. Julian Tasting Room is kid-friendly (they offer alcohol-free sparkling juices) and has a dog-friendly patio as well.
2. Shady Creek Winery (Michigan City)
Distance from New Buffalo: 7 miles
Shady Creek Winery produces over 30 different wines, including Sweet, Sparkling, Dry White, and Dry Red Wines with grapes sourced from California and Michigan. They also offer appetizers and pizzas.
The winery building is beautiful and has a nice outdoor patio. Listen to live music and enjoy local artwork in an inviting atmosphere.
Visit their website to view the menu and make reservations.
The next few wineries on the list are all located a short drive from each other, so many people “wine hop” to multiple locations.
3. Hickory Creek Winery (Buchanan)
The next few wineries offer relaxing and peaceful settings out in Michigan wine country.
Hickory Creek Winery in Union Pier is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
In addition to having an extensive collection of wines, Hickory Creek is known for its barn-style look and large outdoor patio.
Dogs and children are welcome. There is a tire swing and vintage tractor outside for kids to play on. Limited, snack-sized food options are available.
You are welcome to bring food and picnic outside while you enjoy your wine tasting.
Click here for hours and to make reservations. Reservations are recommended, especially on Saturdays and during the summer.
4. Tabor Hill Winery (Buchanan)
Tabor Hill Winery has beautiful outdoor cabanas and additional seating with a view of the vineyards.
They offer flight tastings, wine by the glass or bottle. hand-crafted cocktails, craft beer, and small snack items. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Looking for something unique to do? Stretch your legs and hit the Mt. Tabor Trails – over 3.5 miles of grass trails looping through woods and vineyards and connecting to Round Barn Winery. And you can bring your wine with you!
Leashed pets and children are welcome to join as well.
5. Round Barn Winery (Baroda)
Round Barn is a sister winery to Tabor Hill (hence the connecting trail).
The uniquely shaped turn-of-the-century original round barn tasting room sits on a beautiful vineyard and offers a wide variety of wines made with the area’s best grapes.
This family-owned and operated winery, distillery, and brewery offers many things from wine tastings to live music to winter igloos and firepits.
Small plates, bowls, and desserts are available as well. Outside food and drink are not permitted. Leashed dogs and children are welcome.
6. Gravity Winery (Baroda)
Gravity Winery and Tasting Room is a modern Lake Michigan shore winery that has an expansive covered deck overlooking a lake and vineyards. There is also a smaller indoor section.
Offerings include a wide selection of delicious wines and ciders to enjoy by taste, glass, or bottle.
They also sell meat, cheese, crackers, chips, hummus, and chocolate. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
There is live music on summer Sundays from 2-5 pm.
Pets are not allowed. The website says “well-behaved” kids are welcome but need to be closely attended by parents. They also mention that there are no activities for children – so not the most family-friendly option in the area.
7. Dablon Winery & Vineyard (Baroda)
Dablon Vineyards was recognized by USA Today as having one of the top ten wine-tasting rooms in the United States.
Hand-nurtured, Michigan-grown grapes are used to create vibrant and unique wines.
In addition to a wide variety of wines, Dablon offers packaged snacks for purchase. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Children and pets are not allowed.
8. Chill Hill Winery (Baroda)
If you couldn’t tell by the name, Chill Hill has a much more laid-back, beachy vibe than most of the other wineries on this list.
Chill Hill is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
In addition to offering quality Michigan wines, Chill Hill also offers hard ciders, sangrias, and slushies.
Trivia, live music, and other events are common. Check the Chill Hill Facebook page for the event schedule.
9. Baroda Founders Wine Cellar
Welcoming atmosphere with a wide selection ranging from classic favorites to fruit-flavor-enhanced, as well as delectable dessert wines infused with delicious chocolate.
Baroda Founders Wine Cellar is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
10. Free Run Cellars (Berrien Springs)
Free Run Cellars is a laid-back and private winery (associated with Tabor Hill and Round Barn) with a nice ambiance overlooking the vineyards. It is often less busy than many of the other area wineries.
Tasting experiences include three artisan wines and the option to add a charcuterie board.
11. Domaine Berrien Cellars (Berrien Springs)
This 80-acre vineyard grows 21 different wine grape varieties. The recommended way to experience Domaine Berrien wines is through guided tastings with a wine consultant.
Domaine Berrien Cellars is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
One thing to note – the cozy tasting room is small, cannot accommodate groups larger than six, and does not accept reservations.
There is also an outdoor deck and a spacious backyard area. You are welcome to bring food to picnic, but outside alcohol is not permitted.
Domaine Berrien is dog and family-friendly!
12. Lemon Creek Winery (Berrien Springs)
This beautiful, 165-year-old historic farm sits on 300 acres of vineyards and orchards.
Lemon Creek is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
Enjoy wine tastings, explore the vineyards, watch winemaking, U-pick seasonal fruits and vegetables, or partake in one of the events or festivals that often occur at Lemon Creek.
All seating is first-come first-serve with no reservations available. Indoor space is limited, so plan on sitting outside with larger groups.
The outdoor seating area has heaters and fire pits for colder days and evenings. Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio, but not in the indoor tasting room or the orchard or vineyards.
13. Golden Muse Winery
Celebrating the free-spirited lifestyle of the Golden Age of Paris, Golden Muse is a women-owned winery, tasting room, and art gallery offering vegan-friendly wines and vegetarian small bites.
Golden Muse Winery is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
In addition to a beautiful and unique interior tasting room, Golden Muse also recently added an outdoor patio overlooking a creek, a lavender patch, and outdoor art installments.
Outside food and drink are not permitted. Pets are not allowed in the tasting room/gallery, and children must be well-supervised at all times.
Wine Trail Tours
Maps are available for self-guided tours of the area wineries on the wine trail.
If you do not have a designated driver and want to enjoy wine tastings at multiple area wineries, there are organized wine tour options available, including private charters and hop-on tours.
- All Around Limo Service – various Southwest Michigan wine tours
- Harbor County Adventures – luxury party bus wine tours
- Fruitful Vine Wine Tours – coach or tractor-pulled wagon tours to 3 wineries of your choosing
- Grape & Grain Tours – all-inclusive wine tours or private shuttles
New Buffalo Area Breweries
If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’re in luck. With a growing number of breweries in the area, there’s no shortage of options for you to explore.
Each area brewery has its unique selection of craft beers. You’ll find everything from classic IPAs and stouts to seasonal and experimental brews. Some breweries offer gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
1. Beer Church Brewing Co
Location: New Buffalo
One of our favorite breweries and restaurants in the area! Unique vibe and good food & drinks. The outdoor seating areas are awesome. Outdoor seating is for ages 21+ only.
2. Ghost Isle Brewery
Location: New Buffalo
We love the outdoor patio at Ghost Isle. Good drinks, but average food in our opinion.
3. Seedz Brewery
Location: Union Pier
Seedz is a small-batched brewery that uses locally sourced ingredients within the Midwest region. They do not serve food currently, but you are welcome to bring your own.
4. Burn ‘Em Brewing
Location: Michigan City
An edgy laid-back vibe and a great variety of locally sourced brews. Visit the tasting room, shop for to-go beers, or enjoy a sandwich and brew on the covered, heated patio.
5. Shoreline Brewery
Location: Michigan City
In addition to a large locally-brewed beer list, Shoreline offers specialty cocktails, wine, a full-service bar, and a full food menu.
6. Zorn Brew Work Co.
Location: Michigan City
Craft brewery and music venue with 24 local beers on tap, pub food, and a massive outdoor beer garden.
7. Greenbush Brewing Co.
Location: Sawyer
Large food menu (get the bacon) and a nice selection of beers and ciders. Good beer wins.
8. Journeyman Distillery
Location: Three Oaks
Two locations (Three Oaks & Valparaiso) both in refurbished 1800s factories. In addition to rich history, the Three Oaks location features brewery tours, tastings, a family-friendly restaurant, and a large outdoor putting green.
9. Transient Artisan Ales
Location: Bridgeman
A small midwestern brewer of modern farmhouse ales and classic styles. Food is not served here, but you are welcome to bring your own.
10. Haymarket Brewery
Location: Bridgeman
Offering food, beer for here, and beer-to-go.
11. Watermark Brewing Co.
Location: Stevensville
In addition to a wide selection of beer, Watermark Brewing Co. serves limited options of wine, cider, and seltzer and often has food trucks and live music, all of which make for a great time.
12. River Saint Joe
Location: Buchanan
River Saint Joe is a farmstead brewery in the heart of Southwest Michigan wine country serving farm fresh food and craft beverages.
Events and Festivals
Harvest & Wine Festival
Location: New Buffalo
The Wine and Harvest Festival is a popular event that takes place on Whittaker Street in New Buffalo every fall.
This festival features a wide variety of activities, including wine and craft beer tastings, live music, arts and crafts vendors, activities for kids, and plenty of delicious food options.
It’s a great way to sample some of the best wines from the area’s top wineries and enjoy the beautiful fall weather.
Shelf Ice Brewfest
Location: Michigan City
This winter beer fest is held in downtown Michigan City toward the end of February and features 4 big tents with 40 local craft breweries and homebrewers.
In addition to brews, enjoy fire pits, snow and winter activities, food trucks, ice sculptures, and Hammerschlagen.
Journeyman Barrel-Aged Brewfest
Location: Three Oaks
The Barrel-Aged Brewfest is an annual fundraising event featuring tastings of barrel-aged beers from local participating breweries.
This family-friendly event takes place in the fall and features live music, food, and family-friendly games for all to enjoy.
St. Joe Winter Beer Fest
Location: Downtown St. Joseph
St. Joe Winter Beer Fest takes place at the end of January. Bundle up and venture outdoors for craft beer sampling from local Michigan breweries.
Red Wine & Brew
Location: La Porte, IN
Red Wine & Brew is a benefit for first responders that takes place in early July.
This weekend-long event features beer and wine tasting, tons of food options, live music and concerts, fireworks, drone shows, a car show, and a kids’ zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit New Buffalo wineries?
The best time to visit the area wineries is during the summer because most offer beautiful outdoor patios with a fun vibe and great views.
However, many of the wineries have live music and events throughout the year, so you can visit anytime.
Check out one of the wineries that offer igloos and fire pits for a fun winter experience.
What is the best way to get to area wineries and breweries without driving?
The best way to navigate the New Buffalo area wineries without driving is to book one of the wine tour options.
Uber and Lyft are also available in the area but can be kind of spotty.
Are the wineries open year-round?
Most of the area wineries are open year-round. Check the website of the winery you wish to visit for current hours.
Can I bring my kids to the area wineries or breweries?
Round Barn Winery, Tabor Hill Winery, Hickory Creek Winery, and St. Julian Tasting Room seem like the most kid-friendly options in the area, in my opinion.
There are a couple of area wineries that do not allow children, and others that are not very kid-friendly, so check websites before bringing your kiddos.
Are pets allowed at the wineries?
Pets are allowed outside at nearly all of the area wineries as long as they are leashed. There are a couple of wineries that do not allow pets and many that only allow pets in the outdoor areas.
Check the website of the wineries you intend to visit before bringing your furry friends.
